QANTAS chief Geoff Dixon won’t be visiting Perth next month as initially planned.
Qantas regional general manager WA Ian Gay confirmed to WA Business News this week that, while his boss had planned a quick stopover in Perth, the trip had now been cancelled.
Mr Gay said Mr Dixon intended to be in Perth on August 1 and 2, which coincided with Emirates’ official Perth launch, but had cancelled the trip.
“He had some meetings planned with corporate customers and a meeting with the premier and other things he would ordinarily do when he visits,” he said.
Emirates will launch its direct flights to Dubai on August 2.
Emirates Perth sales manager Darren Tyrrell said the first non-stop link between the Arabian Gulf and Australia would improve access between Perth and key European destinations.
Mr Gay said that while Emirates would have an impact on Qantas’s international market, the Australian airline would be introducing 747s for flights from Perth to Europe from October.
“Every new entrant has an effect. They [Emirates] won’t just market the Perth-Dubai route,” Mr Gay said.
